Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Ascending
Hexagram 46 of the Yi Jing · 升 Shēng
The figure
Earth above Wind: the shoot rising under the soil, the tree climbing little by little. The image of patient ascent.
What this figure illuminates
Ascending lights up gradual rise, the climb that happens in stages rather than in a leap. You don't skip steps; you gain height by staying rooted.
For a decision, the figure invites confident regularity: “what is the next step, within reach, rather than the summit that freezes me?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Pushing upward: great progress and success. Seek the great person without fear; to advance toward the south brings good fortune.
The Image
Wood grows up within the earth, rising without haste. Seeing this, the noble person tends to their character, gathering small gains until they reach the heights.
The Six Lines
- First line
You rise with the welcome of those above you. Great good fortune at the outset.
- Second line
A sincerity so true that even a small, humble offering is received. No error.
- Third line
You rise into an open, unresisting town — the way lies clear. Advance easily, but do not mistake ease for solidity.
- Fourth line
Trusted to make the offering on the sacred mountain, in your right place at last. Good fortune, no mistake.
- Fifth line
Firm and correct, you climb the steps in due order, one at a time. Good fortune — do not skip a stage.
- Sixth line
Rising on blindly, unable to see you have gone far enough. Only unceasing correctness can save such heedless climbing.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
What is the next step within reach, rather than the distant summit?
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